Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of most celebrated treks in the world which takes you into the heart of the high mountains of Nepal. This trek has only been possible since the mid 1980s when the Manang area was officially opened to foreigners. This is definitely a strenuous trek, taking about two weeks to complete, starting from 760m (Beshisahar) and ascending to 5416m (Thorong-La Pass, the highest point of this trek). During the trek you will be able to enjoy: dramatic mountain scenery; alpine deserts; rice terraces, the Tibetan plateau; turbulent rivers with deep gorges; crystal clear lakes; waterfalls and a wide variety of vegetation. In addition, you will be able to observe different cultures and ways of life of people who live in this region, as well as different birds and animals. One of the highlights is our visit to the well-known Muktinath temple used by Hindus and Buddhists. Certainly the ‘peak’ experience will be ascending to the Thorong-La pass where the views are superb. This could be one of the highest elevations you would attain during your traveling life – you will feel on top of the world!

This classic circular trek is a reasonable proposition for a first time visit to Nepal, completing an epic journey through a wide variety of terrains of the Himalaya.

You don’t need any previous mountaineering training or technical experience for this trek as the terrain is not very difficult. However, some vigorous hiking experience and good physical condition is very useful.

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu
Day 02: Visit Swoyambunath & Patan
Day 03: Drive Kathmandu to Besisahar
Day 04: Trek Besisahar to Ngadi
Day 05: Trek Ngadi to Jagat
Day 06: Trek Jagat to Dharapani
Day 07: Trek Dharapani to Chame
Day 08: Trek Chame to Pisang
Day 09: Trek Pisang to Ngwal
Day 10: Trek Ngwal to Manang
Day 11: Acclimatization day in Manang
Day 12: Trek Manang to Yak Kharka
Day 13: Trek Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi
Day 14: Trek Thorong Phedi to Muktinath
Day 15: Trek Muktinath to Jomsom via Kagbeni
Day 16: Flight Jomsom to Pokhara
Day 17: Flight Pokhara to Kathmandu
Day 18: Visit Pashupatinath & Boudhanath
Day 19: Departure

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu airport and you will be transferred to the hotel by one of our representatives. Welcome dinner at one of the traditional Nepali restaurants in Kathmandu.
Overnight: Hotel
Elevation: 1334m

Day 02: Visit Swoyambunath and Patan: start our tour visiting Swoyambunath, a magnificent Buddhist stupa located on a high hill which is just 10 minutes drive from Thamel followed by a visit of Patan, a true open air museum with its pagodas, temples, and monasteries.
Overnight: Hotel
Elevation: 1334m.

Day 06: Trek Jagat to Dharapani (1860m): Today the trail continues turning to the North West as it follows the Marshyangdi valley entering Manang District. We cross a large suspension bridge just before Dharapani.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 6 hours
Difference in Elevation: + 570m

Day 07: Trek Dharapani to Chame (2670m): As we continue our trek, the Annapurna range offers splendid view of Annapurna II (7937m) and Annapurna IV to the west. Initially the trail climbs through the forest to Dhanakyu (2290m) and continues steadily to Timang, which has a great view of Manaslu range. Then the track follows the pine forest to reach Chame (2630m). Chame is the administrative headquarter of the Manang district.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 6 hours
Difference in Elevation: +810m

Day 08: Trek Chame to Pisang (3200m): Today's trek is a bit shorter so we get plenty of time to enjoy wonderful scenery as we cross the northern side of the river and trek west on the very easy trail to the Bhratang Village (2840m). From here the valley is steep and narrow leading through dense forest until we cross a suspension bridge which leads to gradual uphill through pine forest to our lunch spot, Dhukkur pokhari. Then continue our trek on an easy track to Pisang. Pisang is a large trans Himalayan village and has been divided into upper and lower parts. You get spectacular view of Pisang Peak (6091m) directly in front of you along with unforgettable view of Annapurna range.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 5 hours
Difference in Elevation: +530m

Day 09: Trek Pisang to Ngwal (3657m): As we continue our trek, the view of the mountain ranges gets better. We start our day little early today to catch the clear view of the Annapurna range from Ghyaru (3670m). Trek starts with gentle walk through pine forest and climbs steeply from Ghyaru khola. It is about 2 hours climb on this steep uphill. The view from the top (Ghyaru) is superb. Then the trek continues on a gradual pace to Ngwal, a traditional village with a rich Tibetan culture.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 6 hours
Difference in Elevation: +457m

Day 11: Acclimatization day in Manang: Spending two nights allow you to become adjusted to thinning air and lessening pressure for your approach to Thorong-La. We go for day hike towards Gangapurna Lake which help you to acclimatize more for higher altitude. In the afternoon, we can visit the clinic run by Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) to get more information about high altitude trekking.
Overnight: Lodge
Elevation: 3440m

Day 12: Trek Manang to Yak Kharka (4018m): After getting well acclimatized, we continue our trek towards Thorang la. We climb gradually now on, giving enough time to get adjusted to the elevations we gain every day. It is about 4 hours trek to Yak Kharka and do some day hike in the afternoon to get more acclimatized.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 3-4 hours
Difference in Elevation: +578m

Day 13: Trek Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4450m): Our final day of the preparation for Thorang la pass takes us to the base of the Thorang la. It is called Thorang Phedi (4450m). It is about 4 hours trek to Phedi so we get enough time to repeat our acclimatization hike this afternoon as well, to get well acclimatized for the next day.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 3-4 hours
Difference in Elevation +432

Day 14: Trek Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (3760m): Today is the most strenuous day of this trek because of the altitude and long hours of walking (as we ascend almost 1000m and descend about 1600m). Hence, we set off about 4 or 5 AM in the morning and commence the long climb up to the Thorong-La Pass (5416m). You need to have plenty of water and a warm outfit (down jacket / windproof trousers) with you. The trek Phedi to Thorong- La takes about 4-5 hours, depending on your fitness and acclimatization level. Upon reaching Thorong-La we can see the traditional chorten, cairn and prayer flags. We take a short break here before descending to Muktinath (3760m). The panoramic view from Thorong-La is superb. As we start descending, we get a great view of Dhaulagiri (8167m) and Tukuche (6920m) to the south-west and Mustang valley in North West. The descent is long and tiring (about 4 - 5 hours) but offers a great view of the surrounding peaks and Mustang valley. Muktinath is a fascinating village with sacred temples for Hindu and Buddhist. You may see lot of pilgrims bathing in the holy water flowing from the 108 spouts carved in the shape of cow's heads surrounding the Vishnu Temple. The temple is built in Tibetan style and contains huge brass idols of Shiva, Vishnu, Kali and Brahma.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 8-10 hours
Difference in Elevation: - 690m

Day 15: Trek Muktinath to Jomsom (2750m) via Kagbeni: Continuing our descend enjoying the view of Mustang valley, gradually towards Jharkot, which is another traditional village with flat roofed houses (Tibetan style) and lot of green fields. The trail continues descending to Kagbeni for about two and half hours. Kagbeni (2800m), located near the Kali Gandaki river, is a very fascinating medieval village with stone houses, narrow alleys, green fields and view of the high mountains. Kagbeni is gateway of legendary Mustang and Lo Monthang.

NOTE: Upper Mustang is a controlled trekking region; a special permit is required to travel in upper part of the Mustang.

Then we continue our trek following the Kali Gandaki river down to Ekle Bhatti (2730m), where we join the alternative and more direct route from Muktinath. From here it is an easy walk to Jomsom; the administrative headquarter of the region, at 2750m. This is our trekking ending point so in the evening; we celebrate the completion of our epic journey.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 6-7 hours
Difference in Elevation: - 1010m

Day 17: Flight Pokhara to Kathmandu (1334m): A scenic flight in the morning for about 30 minutes and during your flight you get a panoramic view of the Himalayas again and be able to take some spectacular pictures.
Overnight: Hotel
Flight Time: 30 minutes
Difference in Elevation: + 514m

Day 18: Visit Pashupatinath and Boudhanath: start our day visiting Pashupatinath, ancient and holiest temple of Hindu religion followed by a visit of Boudhanath, the largest Stupa of Nepal built in 14th century.
Overnight: Hotel
Elevation: 1334m

Day 19 : Transfer to the airport and departure.

Note: Motor-able / Drive able dirt road has been built in some parts of this trek so you might see some vehicle movements at the beginning and end of the trek.

The tour price includes:

Transfers airport / hotel / airport

Welcome dinner at one of the traditional Nepali restaurants

Hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara on twin sharing BB basis

Transport, guided visits & entry of the monuments in Kathmandu

Private vehicle Kathmandu - Besisahar

Domestic flight ticket Jomsom - Pokhara - Kathmandu

Domestic airport taxes

Trekking permit / TIMS, and conservation area entry fee (ACAP)

A professional tour / trekking guide, porter, assistant guide

Meals full board during the trek

Drinks (tea / coffee only)

Accommodation in Lodge during the trek.

Your international flight re-confirmation.

All necessary documents and government tax

Insurance for all staff (including guide, porters, assistant guide)

The tour price does not include:

International flights

Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu

Travel Insurance (compulsory and we strongly advise you to take out to cover accident / repatriation helicopter / medical care)

NOTE: The price of the tour will be adjusted according to the group size.

Weather Report

Climate:
From the eternal snow of the high peaks to the extensive tropical lowlands, Nepal has a wide variety of climates.

Spring: March to late May: In this season, Kathmandu is in full bloom, lots of different types of flowers can be seen at this time of the year. Temperature is mild, end of the cold winter and approaching warm and hot summer. Temperatures vary between 10 ° C to 28 ° C but can rise up to 30 ° C. Between 2000 and 3000m, temperature rarely drop below 0 ° C. However, few frosts or snowfalls are possible in March above 4000 m.

Thesummer/monsoon period - It interrupts the majority of trekking from late June to late August. Some of the trekking regions "trans-Himalayan", Dolpo and Mustang, however, remain protected from monsoon prevailing rest of the country. They are the only channels available in Nepal in the summer.